NEW YURI DOUJIN RELEASE - Shizuru Dog [Shizuru x Natsuki + Mai-HiME] English translation!

ShizNat Webs/Mai-Multiverse is back with a brand new yuri doujinshi release! We have translated several Shizuru x Natsuki stories in English for the new year, but I wanted to give you an early taste! Many thanks to _ragdoll and my dynamic duo of Krystal-of-Nol and depression76.

Shizuru x Natsuki doujinshi "Shizuru Dog"
Download
Translation: ragdoll (http://raggedtranslations.blogspot.com.au)
Editing: Krystal of Nol
Couple: ShizNat
Universe: Mai-HiME



In our second release, "Shizuru Dog" the unthinkable happens! Natsuki is told of the terrible yet strange news that her beloved Shizuru has transformed into a dog!

"Mai-Multiverse. Entertaining ourselves while you watch."
- Luu Sky Sapphire

ShizNat doujin: I Want to be Kissed *NEW YURI RELEASE*

ShizNat Webs/Mai-Multiverse is back with a brand new yuri doujinshi release!
We have translated several Shizuru x Natsuki stories in English for the new year, but I wanted to give you an early taste! Many thanks to _ragdoll and my dynamic duo of Krystal-of-Nol and depression76.

Shizuru x Natsuki doujinshi "I want to be kissed"
Sample:
Download: www.mediafire.com/download/89j…
Translation: ragdoll
Editing: Krystal of Nol

In the first of our many releases, "I want to be kissed", misunderstandings lead to passion as a frustrated Natsuki slowly develops feelings for a certain Kaichou.

It is with great honor that I present to you all with ShizNat and the entire Mai-HiME/Otome series in 2014. This series requires our love for it's characters and stories in order for it to live forever. I am happy knowing that everyone did their part to make this series as relevant as it was back in the mid-2000s. I love the Mai-Series, ShizNat and the yuri genre most of all. Yuri to me is the purest form of love in the entertainment field. Two women in love, whatever the circumstances may be, is beautiful to behold. Yuri makes us laugh, it makes us cry, it makes us angry and it takes our breath away. If we simply just stand back and open our minds, this form of entertainment and love can be cherish by anyone.

The ShizNation Lives Forever. Long Live the Mai-Series.

- Luu Sky Sapphire
ShizNat Webs: shiznat.webs.com/
Mai-Multiverse Forum: ltahime.forum-motion.net/forum

Exclusive Interview with Marcy Lannan. English voice actress for Nao Yuuki and Juliet Nao Zhang

Welcome to another edition of Mai-Multiverse Interview series with the English voice actors from Bandai Entertainment's English dubs of Mai-HiME and Mai-Otome!

---
MM = Mai-Multiverse
ML - Marcy Lannan
---

MM: Meeeeeeow! Don't answer those texts! You could be the next victim of next Mai-HiME voice actress from the English dub - Marcy Lannan! She's voiced the sexy Nao Yuuki in Mai-HiME and Juliet Nao Zhang in Mai-Otome! We have her with us today, thank you for joining us!

ML: Thank you so much for interviewing me and for the snippit of Nao (from her Mai-HiME Omake that I provided for Marcy before the interview) it was definitely a trip down memory lane!

MM: How did you get started in voice acting?

ML: I started voice acting when I was just finishing my acting training at university. I had the opportunity to audition for Mai-Hime and was cast as Nao and the rest is history!

MM: Share some of your experiences as an actress in general. Did you perform in theater?

ML: I work mostly in theatre, both as a performer and a theatre educator working with young people. I work a bit in film and television too though I would say that theatre is my first love.

MM: What were your most fond memories of working in any recording studio?

ML: I have a lot of great memories working at recording studios, one of my favorite things about this work is how specific it is, working with a director who really is only directing my voice can at times be a great challenge.

MM: What was the casting call and audition like for you when My-HiME surfaced?

ML: The casting call was really great, I was still pretty new to voice acting so when I went in to read I just really relied on what the director told me to do and luckily that worked!

MM: Your thoughts on Nao Yuuki's character in Mai-HiME?

ML: I loved playing Nao, at first she was so mysterious - even to me! I was really excited to play a character with a bit of a darker side and an unexplained past it made the role quite rich.

MM: Nao Yuuki and Juliet Nao Zhang were both very laid back girls. Do you consider yourself laid back? LOL!

ML: I like to think I'm laid back, but like Nao I like to have control of the situation every once and a while!

MM: Nao was involved in a lot of fight scenes throughout the entire series. Was it fun doing what voice actors nickname "foley". The recording of grunts, grrs, and panting during fight sequences and running scenes.

ML: Nao had a lot of fight scenes it's true, doing foley is a lot of fun and again it's a situation where I really rely on the director who knows what they want for the tone of the fight and what they are asking from the other actors. I quite enjoyed myself.

MM: Was Nao the only role you auditioned for or played in the series? Just in case you did additional voices here and there.

ML: When I originally auditioned I believe it was more of a general audition where I was putting my voice out there to be considered for different roles, they had me try a range of voices, emotions and accents! In the end I was cast as Nao and every so often I would voice incidental characters (characters who are just in one episode) or I would do background for large group scenes.

MM: What was it like for the first few recordings, after getting to know the character of Nao better? Did things just click from the start or did it take a while to slip into her twisted mind?

ML: For the first few recordings of Nao I just tried to have fun with the concept of who Nao was and what she was up to! It was definitely fun to talk with the director and hear what Nao was up to this time, and as I continued to learn about Nao and her past I tried to incorporate some of that into my work as well.

MM: Many voice actors say they never meet the rest of the cast since recordings are done individually. Did you end up meeting the rest of the cast like Cheryl McMaster (who voiced Natsuki) or Melanie Risdon (who voiced Shizuru)? You voiced many scenes with both. Canada's finest brought these characters to life.

ML: It's true I don't often get to meet other voice actors in the studio I would say I am more likely to meet them doing other theatre shows! And I never did meet Cheryl or Melanie so it is interesting to actually have done a lot of scenes with them!

MM: Do you have any funny recording stories during work on Mai-HiME and Mai-Otome?

ML: The most unusual thing that ever happened to me while recording was once we lost visual feed during a really active session. It was exciting and challenging to then try to record the voice with proper timing with the director basically having to describe every action and scene! we had a few laughs but we got it done.

MM: What was your favorite moment in the entire series? For both Mai-HiME and Mai-Otome.

ML: I think my favorite episode was in Mai-Hime when we finally learn Nao's back story, it was so emotionally different for me and for Nao and I love getting that sort of insight into a character.

MM: Nao Yuuki is a character that loves to text and bait men into her spider-like traps. Are you a text freak too, in addition to being popular with the guys?

ML: I don't know that I use texting in the same way that Nao does! I can safely say I prefer talking face to face but I do text a lot. And in terms of boys, I dunno, I'll have to let them decide!

MM: One of Nao's signature traits is that she loves to lick her fingers. Is that something you secretly do?

ML: Nao has some strange quirks! though I got to voice her finger licking antics, I left those habits in the studio with her!

MM: Have any of you read the manga or watched the original Japanese anime of the Mai-Series (HiME and Otome)?

ML: I have watched some of the original Japanese anime, actually sometimes we would use the originals in recording sessions to help get a feel for the emotion or intention of the scene.

MM: Do you own anything of My-HiME? There is plenty of cool merchandise out there, especially for both Nao.

ML: I don't own any My-Hime merchandise, I did look a lot of it up when I was working on Nao to help get a better sense of her!

MM: In Mai-Otome, Nao's character became Juliet Nao Zhang. An incarnation of Nao Yuuki that isn't evil or hold any malicious grudges with anyone. Did you notice the change during record? Like "Gee, she's tamer than she used to be!"

ML: I did notice the shift in Nao's character between series it was interesting to play the change, I like to think Nao still had some of her old incarnation...

MM: Do you still keep contact with any of the other Mai-HiME/Otome voice actors/actresses?

ML: As I mentioned I do see some voice actors that I've worked with when I work with them in other shows.

MM: Any advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in voice acting or acting in general?

ML: I think if you are pursuing an acting career it is good to always continue training, and work with people and companies that really interest you, it is a great way to learn and deepen your abilities.

MM: Are you a cat person or a dog person?

ML: I have two cats that I love! but I love dogs too. I love them all!

MM: Name 3 words that describe you best.

ML: 3 words that describe me best...kind, quiet, silly!

MM: Favorite hobby?

ML: My favorite hobby, is actually now a part of my work: I have been training for some time now as an aerialist, so someone that does trapeze and silks like in the circus. At first it was a great challenge and way to get fit, but now it is a passion of mine and something I love to perform.

MM: Favorite food of all time?

ML: I love sweets! So while I advocate healthy eating, chocolate is my weakness!

MM: Favorite Tv shows and movies?

ML: Right now I really love the show 'Smash', but I love going to see plays those are my favorite shows.

MM: Thank you for joining us on this exclusive interview. Please finish this interview off with a shout out to the fans of My-HiME and Mai-Otome who continue to support your work today?

ML: Thank you so much for all the questions I had a lot of fun! And thank you so much to everyone that enjoys the shows, I know that there are a lot of actors out there that love doing this work for you so thank you for watching! - Marcy
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Join our Mai-HiME/Otome Forum, Mai-Multiverse: http://ltahime.forum-motion.net/
ShizNat Webs, for everything Shizuru and Natsuki: http://shiznat.webs.com/

Exclusive Interview with Caitlynne Medrek. English voice actress for Mikoto Minagi

MM = Mai-Multiverse
CM = Caitlynne Medrek

MM: CAKE! RAMEN! MAI'S BOOBS! These are part of a shopping list that belongs the ever-hungry Mikoto Minagi. The woman who brought this thimble full of cat nip to life in the English dub is with us today. Caitlynne Medrek filled the roles of Mikoto Minagi in Mai-HiME and Cat Goddess Mikoto in Mai-Otome. We have her with us today, thank you for joining us!

MM: How did you get started in voice acting?

CM: Hey guys! Thanks for having me! I got started through a friend who had been doing some voice work. He was a fellow young actor, and he recommended I audition for the studio! I auditioned... and from that went on to book the role of PAN in DBGT, and later Mai-HiME!!

MM: What was it like voicing your first ever cartoon/anime character?

CM: It was AWESOME! I got to miss a LOT of school! My mom would come pick me up from school in the middle of the day so I could go record, and who doesn't love that! I remember a lot of mornings in the cozy studio, feeling right at home! The sound engineers were so much fun, watching the cartoon as I voiced the character was unexpected, but really awesome! I loved having something to watch as I acted! I also expected to be in a room recording with other actors, but I learned that dubbing is done individually so in most my sessions it was just me!

MM: Did you ever appear on camera for any live action shows? Oh wait, I forgot. You are not an actress...you just play one in the movies.

CM: Haha! You're right! And yes! I do. Please check out
www.outwithdad.com
oh! and
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1579987/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

MM: What were your most fond memories of working in any recording studio?

CM: My most fond memories were the people! Everyone that worked at that studio was so wonderful. I started voice work in grade 7, so I kind of grew up with the people who worked at the studio, and they were great people. In terms of the work, the range of characters I got to play! These shows opened up an entire new world for me! I had no idea awesome shows like Mai-HiME even existed before I started!

MM: What was the casting call and audition like for you when My-HiME surfaced?

CM: From what I remember it was pretty usual! I got the audition scene before hand, rehearsed, and then went into the studio by myself to audition! There is usually one or two sound engineers in the booth, and then (if the director isnt there in person) he would direct you over headset! He couldnt see me, but he could hear me! (Those were fun because I got to imagine what the director looked like;))

MM: Your thoughts on Mikoto Minagi's character in Mai-HiME?

CM: I thought she was hilarious! I couldn't believe how much she loved food, but in reality, I think I love food JUST as much! I kept hoping she would one day find her brother

MM: With all of Mikoto's talk of food in the series, do you ever find yourself with a sudden craving during recording sessions?

CM: YES! And the only good thing to eat when recording, is an apple! It keeps your mouth from making slimy noises into the microphone! No chocolate before a session! Coats the vocal chords!

MM: Mikoto was involved in a lot of fight scenes throughout the entire series. Was it fun doing what voice actors nickname "foley". The recording of grunts, grrs, and panting during fight sequences and running scenes.

CM: I ALWAYS thought this was the hardest part! Usually just for one grunt, you need to record it three different ways, so they have options.. and eventually I would run out of grunt noises!

MM: Was Mikoto the only role you auditioned for or played in the series? Just in case you did additional voices here and there.

CM: Mikoto was the main one! I can't seem to recall any more!

MM: What was it like for the first few recordings, after getting to know the character of Mikoto better. In the later episodes, she gets a better understanding of friendship and love, in addition to feeling conflicted about her role as Reito's brother. Did you feel what she felt?
I definitely felt it. I wanted her to find her brother just as bad as she did. I think her relationship with Mai was genuine. I love Mikoto! She's charmingly nieve, yet so hard core! I would cook ramen for her too.

MM: Many voice actors say they never meet the rest of the cast since recordings are done individually. Did you end up meeting the rest of the cast like Cheryl McMaster (who voiced Natsuki) or Melanie Risdon (who voiced Shizuru)? In your case, you did a lot of scenes with Carol-Anne Day (who voiced Mai Tokiha).

Being two major characters, you both shared a lot of chemistry, despite not being in the share room.
Youre right! The only times we saw each other were in the green room before and after sessions! So you get to know them while there is down time or cross overs in recording times but that was it, which is too bad! And very ironic.

MM: Do you have any funny recording stories during work on Mai-HiME and Mai-Otome?

PRONUNCIATIONS! All the biggest laughs shared were always due to the way I would pronounce words. Sometimes it just comes out the wrong way!!!

MM: What was your favorite moment in the entire series? For both Mai-HiME and Mai-Otome.

My favorite moment was receiving the DVDS and finally watching them!!! Haha!! It was SOOO cool. My favorite moment in the show was when Mia and Mikoto first meet!

MM: Are you a hardcore fan of eating cake and ramen noodles? Maybe cake WITH ramen noodles? Oh god, just the thought made me throw up in my own stomach! XD

Hahaha, I do love spicy ramen *with out the cake thats for sure!!!!!!

MM: Have any of you read the manga or watched the original Japanese anime of the Mai-Series (HiME and Otome)?

I have seen what bits are on YouTube! But its always been on my to-do list.

MM: Did it feel awkward knowing your character loved to...um...snuggle in-between the breasts of the title character?

Mai and Mikoto sure have a special kind of relationship! Haha! It was weird at first! Having to make those reaction noises! But, she just likes a nice cuddle I guess!

MM: Do you own anything of My-HiME? There is plenty of cool merchandise out there, especially for Mikoto Minagi.

CM: No! I dont! I would love some but Ive never set out looking! I have the dvds, and some action figures from DBGT and Strawberry Marshmallow!

MM: Though Mikoto (now known as the Cat Goddess) didn't appear much in Mai-Otome, were you surprised to see this was the same Mikoto, only set in a different time and overall storyline? I only say this because Mai-Otome confused some fans thinking it was a direct sequel to HiME, so when they see their favorite characters in new roles, it's kinda awkward.

CM: Haha I agree! I was confused too. We only actually see the parts we record, so at first, I just thought I had missed an integral part of the story line that explained all that!

MM: Do you still keep contact with any of the other Mai-HiME/Otome voice actors/actresses?

CM: I do not, but I hope they're doing well!!

MM: Any advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in voice acting or acting in general?

CM: Get a reeeeaaally good voice demo made and get yourself a local voice over agent! But make sure they're legit, don't give over a single penny of your money until they have already booked you a job! I don't care what any one says, a good agent wont take any money, until you've booked a job. No agency fees, nothing!!!! Take a voice over class, get a demo, find agent! And don't give up! Its not easy, but if you really want to do it, you'll find a way!

MM: Are you a cat person or a dog person? If you're the latter, our fans will be shocked since you're Mikoto and all. LOL

CM: I am a dog person! I have a 7 year old dog, named PJ who lives with me in Toronto. He is the LOVE of my life. I am allergic to cats! Which sucks, cause I do love them, but my allergies... dont let me.

MM: There you have it! The hyperactive swords-girl HiME and master of the might Miroku. Please finish this interview off with a shout out to the fans of My-HiME and Mai-Otome who continue to support your work?

CM: THANK YOU GUYS! I am so flattered you thought of me, so thank YOU! Id be no where with out your support. I honestly believe in living your dreams, so If you find something you love, then do it. The world is a beautiful place, be kind, smile at strangers, and watch Mikoto snuggle some boobies!!!

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Catch Caitlynne Medrek on Facebook!
Mai-Multiverse Forum: http://ltahime.forum-motion.net/forum

Exclusive Interview with Mariette Sluyter. English voice actress for Midori Sugiura

Salutations, Mai-Multiverse! Back so soon, eh? It tends to happen when voice actors have companions in the business. Among Carol's friends, I was able to locate the wonderful Mariette Sluyter. English voice actress for Midori Sugiura in Mai-HiME, Aswad Midori in Mai-Otome and a host of other anime including Saber Marionette J to X and Angel Links. She was kind enough to accept an interview with us.

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MM: First off, it's a pleasure to meet you. I enjoyed your performance as Midori in both Mai-Series anime. Midori is the epitome of our inner most desires. Kicking ass, drinking, having karaoke jams, and just being awesome. Thank you for being here today.

MS: Hey, it's my pleasure. Thanks for asking me to join you and a big shout out to all the fans!

MM: How did you get started in voice acting?

MS: Having trained in theatre and then worked in the industry I knew a lot about the acting part. One day I was at an audition for a commercial and the director says to me "you should really do voice work". She gave me some names and I followed up doing commercial voicing. Then one day the anime studio came to town, I auditioned and I think my first role was either Saber Marionettes J or Jubai Chan.

MM:: What was it like voicing your first ever cartoon/anime character?

MS: It was pretty fun. (I had to get past the over sexualized nature of most of the female characters. That bothered me and still does to this day, although I understand it more now) I was never shy to try things on mic. Doing VO has always been and still is playtime. Once I realized I could jump off of buildings and fight, I was hooked. Fight scenes are such a rush.

MM: Did you ever appear on camera for any live action shows?

MS: No but I have done some on camera work. Most notably I was in Rat Race.

MM: What were your most fond memories of working in any recording studio?

MS: Well, there were lots of times when I would make our back up data operator blush - you see, when we are in the booth it is fun but also high stress... so my way of blowing off stress is to sometimes have a potty mouth or make jokes that go just that little bit farther. That was always fun.

It's especially fun when you are working with other actors in the room, like Dave Pettit or Dave Kelly - then we could get ourselves riffing on stuff and the whole team would be laughing ourselves silly.

That happened on projects like: Jungo and Benjamin Bluemchen where we were working from raw script not dubbing.

MM: What was the casting call and audition like for you when My-HiME surfaced?

MS: To be honest, I don 't remember. Auditions happen so far in advance of the recording that I try to put it out of my mind. That way I am not busy wondering if I got the role or not.

MM: Your thoughts on Midori Sugiura's character in Mai-HiME?

When is always an adventure getting to know a character and you often do it on the fly. Trying to pick up cues from the visual and the script. I was quite taken my her practical nature but also her feisty spirit. I was also glad to be playing an adult - they are often quite a lot of fun

MM: How did you enjoy Midori's drastic character change in Mai-Otome? She was more of a no nonsense leader in that universe.

MS: Strength is something I love playing and it's rare to have the chance so I was quite delighted

MM: Midori had some of the most over the top one liners in the series. How much fun did you have doing moments like her drunken scenes or even her famous reveal as a HiME in episode 6?

MS: This is an example of one of those moments that come by so rarely you just want to relish it. Of course it was a lot of fun, especially because you are playing around thinking of the fans and testing with the folks in the studio.

MM: Was Midori the only role you auditioned for or played in the series? Just in case you did additional voices here and there.

MS: Likely I auditioned for several roles but walking in I would have a sense of what I would have been strongest for. The truth is you never know what or who is right for what part simply what role you prefer. I have a pretty flexible voice so I have the opportunity to do a variety of parts.

MM: Many voice actors say they never meet the rest of the cast since recordings are done individually. Did you end up meeting the rest of the cast like Cheryl McMaster (who voiced Natsuki) or Melanie Risdon (who voiced Shizuru)? In your case, you did a lot of scenes with Risdon's Youko Sagisawa, the nurse of Fuuka Academy. I honestly felt you two had a lot of chemistry, despite not being in the same room.

MS: Thank you. Although we never voiced together what happens is we will meet in the green room or at auditions. Plus you get a sense of them from any vo tracks that are laid down before you get in the room so that is helpful playing off of that. Not to mention, this is where I give big shout outs to the directors. They really help set the tone and give you a sense of what is going on.

MM: Do you have any funny recording stories during work on Mai-HiME and Mai-Otome?

MS: Well, I do have a potty mouth and there were some scenes that could lend themselves to teasing... that is all I can say - the rest is locked up in the cone of silence!

MM: What was your favorite moment in the entire series? For both Mai-HiME and Mai-Otome.

MS: There was lots in that character I could relate to. Especially being a waitress (as every actor is a waitress at some point!)

MM: Have any of you read the manga or watched the original Japanese anime of the Mai-Series (HiME and Otome)?

MS: Only the parts that I would watch in studio. Often I will ask to watch a scene and then go through it non stop depending on the type of scene and so I got to watch quite a bit.

MM: The Cake Wars episode is by far Midori's best episode by fans. You were placed as a host of a Iron Chef-like competition. Was that your favorite episode too?

MS: I have to say that was pretty fun for a foody like me!

MM: Do you own anything of My-HiME? There is plenty of cool merchandise out there, especially for Midori Sugiura.

MS: Honestly, I don't. Mostly because I would have no room in my house if I had stuff from each show.

MM: In Mai-Otome, Midori inspired main protagonists Arika and Queen Mashiro to become stronger people. Were you touched by her dedication and leadership during recording?

MS: Those are the kinds of roles and moments I cherish. I must admit, her turn to something of a more pragmatic killer was a surprise but that stuff is interesting to play. It is interesting to consider what kind of meaning making happens to get a person from point a to point b, you know?

MM: Do you still keep contact with any of the other Mai-HiME/Otome voice actors/actresses?

MS: I see them around at the studio or in town. Sometimes on facebook too!

MM: Any advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in voice acting?

MS: Give yourself a head start by taking classes if you can. Classes in acting and/or vocal performance. It can really set you apart in auditions.

If you can't do that or in addition to that: practice voices, ranges, diction, characters - play around with your voice. The more types of characters you have the more flexible you are and that will get you in the door.

Also be professional - you only get to be silly once you are an established professional ironically enough.

MM: The fans have to know...since you're Midori and all...are you a heavy drinker too? Haha!

MS: Oh please! I am such a lightweight when it comes to drinking. I am usually asleep after one class of wine. ;0 And don't ask me to sing Karaoke

MM: There you have it! The HiME of Wind, Justice, Love, Friendship and booze! Please finish this interview off with a shout out to the fans of My-HiME and Mai-Otome who continue to support your work?

MS: The fans are amazing! Thank you for keeping the work alive! You let us do our job, so thanks for that.

Peace!

---

You can catch Mariette aka Midori Sugiura herself on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mariettesluyter

You can also visit her official website: http://www.mariettesluyter.com/

Please support her and all Mai-HiME/Otome voice actors and actresses!

Exclusive Interview with Carol-Anne Day!

--- Salutations, Mai-Multiverse! I've had the pleasure and opportunity to sit down and interview Canadian V/A, Carol-Anne Day. The English voice actress for Mai Tokiha in both Mai-HiME and Mai-Otome! As a fan of the Bandai Entertainment dub, this was quite an honor.

--- Mai HiME interview MM: How did you get started in voice acting?

I actually kind of fell into voice acting at a very young age. I was doing children’s theater at the time, and my director thought I should audition for a cartoon studio she was doing work with. She’s an absolutely amazing woman. That’s it really it, not very exciting, but since then, Blue Water has been a second home. I’m pretty much the luckiest girl in the world.  

MM:: What was it like voicing your first ever cartoon/anime character?

My first show was a pretty overwhelming experience. I think the character I played was electrocuted, and I was too shy to scream, ha-ha. My first scream came out in a very operatic fashion. My director gave me on the spot screaming lessons. That’s the thing with cartoons though, there’s always so much to learn. I’m still in a process of constant learning every time I’m in the booth.  

MM: Did you ever appear on camera for any live action shows?

I’ve done a couple of small independent film projects, but I’m more of a ‘behind the mic’ sort of girl. I find the camera makes my head look small....  

MM: What were your most fond memories of working in any recording studio?

This is a really hard one for me, every session is so much fun! I love everyone that I work with so much that it would be impossible to have a bad time. I think one of my fondest memories was from the very first show I had recorded (I think I was 14 or 15) and I was so nervous. I was in the booth with a number of other veteran performers, and they really went out of their ways to make me laugh... all session, I could barely keep a straight face. I also once fainted into the microphone... story for another day though, we still laugh about that one.  

MM: What was the casting call and audition like for you when My-HiME surfaced?

 It was a pretty straight forward casting call for me. I watched the subbed version of the show, and fell in love right away. The auditions are always a little nerve wracking for me, because I want to make sure I’m doing right by the fans and the feel of the show.  

MM: Your thoughts on Mai Tokiha's character in both Mai-HiME and Mai-Otome.

I loved Mai, heck, I still love Mai. She had such an amazing depth to her. I try very hard to feel with the character through every moment, and she was a roller coaster ha! The thing I loved most about her was her strength, as I’m sure you know, she went through a lot in that show. But no matter how bad things got, no matter how bad the breakdown she always seemed to find an inner strength. She was also so caring and warm when she needed to be. Through all of the woe and love (and love triangles lol) I really grew to appreciate that strength.  

MM: Was Mai Tokiha the only role you auditioned for or played in the series? Just in case you did additional voices here and there.

Mai wasn’t the only role I auditioned for, but she was the only one I played in the series.  

MM: What was it like for the first few recordings? After getting to know the character of Mai better.

Getting to know the character makes a huge difference. It makes my job a lot easier, because you begin to understand how that character would react without having to think so much about it.  

MM: Many voice actors say they never meet the rest of the cast since recordings are done individually. Did you end up meeting the rest of the cast like Cheryl McMaster (who voiced Natsuki) or Melanie Risdon (who voiced Shizuru)?

With ADR we are generally alone in the booth, but we do occasionally meet in passing. I’ve met a couple actresses from the show, but not Cheryl or Melanie unfortunately. That show was jam packed with incredible women though, I wish I had met everyone.  

MM: What was your favorite episode or moment in the series?

The panties episode!!!!! So fun... I will say I was glad at the end when Mai and Tate finally hooked up, they were driving me nuts!  

MM: Have any of you read the manga or saw the original Japanese anime of the Mai-Series (HiME and Otome)?

I haven’t had a chance to read the manga, but I definitely saw the original Japanese version of Mai HiME, I really enjoyed it.  

MM: How many times did you have to say "Kagutsuchi!" (Mai's CHiLD) during the recording of an episode? *laughs* It's one of those battle cries that need several takes before it sounds just right. Or did you say it perfectly every time?

I’m not convinced I ever said Kagutsuchi right hahaha!!! Seriously though, it got easier the more I said it, so it was a 50/50 split I suppose, sometimes I was right, but when I was wrong, I was WRONG hahaha  

MM: Do you own anything of My-HiME?

There is plenty of cool merchandise out there, especially for Mai Tokiha. I have the series on DVD, but I am severely lacking in Mai swag!

 MM: Lastly, any advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in voice acting?

The best advice is always take advice. Passion should drive what you do, and then the skill will follow. It`s not something that you`re amazing at overnight, patience is huge.  

MM: Thank you so much, Carol! Mind finishing this interview off with a shout out to the fans of My-HiME and those who continue to support your work?

What can I say? The fans of this show are absolutely amazing, and you guys are the reason I do what I do and will continue to do what I do. Consider this more of a giant thank you than a shout out, I love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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You can catch Carol aka Mai Tokiha herself on Facebook here: Carol-Anne Day's Facebook

Krystal of Nol's The 100 ShizNat Challenge in deviantART

Hello to all Mai-Multiverse members, hope all of you are doing well!

I wish to tell you that the ShizNat-FanClub on deviantART is doing 100 Theme Challenge, and if you have a deviantart account and are a ShizNat fan perhaps you would like to join, you just have to pick a number in this journal: The List and start with your drawing.

For The 100 ShizNat Challenge you can use Fujino, Kuga, Viola or Kruger, no matter if its Mai-HiME, Mai-Otome, Mai-HiME Destiny or Mai-HiME Unmei no Keitōju, all this is about Shizuru and Natsuki...ShizNat

These are the entries so far:

002. Love by DarkAileyba

017. Blood by Kodokuna-Horo

021. Vacation by NorgestaR

055. Waiting by Corystory

067. Playing the Melody by Bidden-Oblivion

100. Relaxation by Imya-o

Be be part of this challenge, please visit this link:

SHIZNAT FANCLUB

Now I must quote wetochan: ALL HAIL SHIZNAT!